Bruntons to Debut CPP System at METS

A new controllable pitch propeller (CPP) system from Bruntons Propellers Ltd. will make its public debut at this year’s METS exhibition in Amsterdam, November 15-17.

Bruntons said it has spent several years developing a CPP propeller and its associated equipment which will solve several issues that have affected CPPs since they were first introduced. In addition to manual control, the Bruntons CPP will be available with a fully automatic control system which will enable the vessel operator to switch between a selection of options varying between maximum power and maximum fuel efficiency.

With regard to the actual design of CPP’s Bruntons engineers identified two areas which could affect the life span of a conventional CPP and its ability to withstand continually changing loads without damage. The two areas are excessive blade wear and high spindle loads. Blade wear on the Bruntons CPP will be reduced by a new blade retention system and the high spindle loads by the introduction of a twin cam design.

The CPP System can be supplied with conventional CPP controls, or with a highly advanced computerized monitoring system which will allow the operator to set it in any one of a number of performance modes. Looking to the future the system is already capable of controlling the CPP propeller on a hybrid or purely electrically driven vessel, not just for propulsion efficiency but for battery use optimization and the optimization of electricity regeneration as well.

Currently the system can operate aboard virtually any vessel with engines up to 2,000hp, but design work is already underway to produce systems that can handle much higher power outputs.